The U.S. Space Force has activated a new organization, Satellite Communications System Delta 88 (SYD 88), to streamline the acquisition of critical communication technologies. The unit was formally established by Space Systems Command (SSC) during a ceremony on October 14, 2025, at Los Angeles Air Force Base, with Colonel A.J. Ashby assuming command.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Space Force has established a new unit, System Delta 88 (SYD 88), dedicated to satellite communications acquisition.
- Colonel A.J. Ashby has been appointed as the commander of the new organization.
- SYD 88's primary mission is to unify the design, development, and delivery of narrowband, tactical, and strategic SATCOM systems.
- The new structure is designed to align acquisition efforts with the operational needs of the Space Force's Mission Deltas.
New Unit to Streamline SATCOM Acquisition
Space Systems Command (SSC), the acquisition arm of the U.S. Space Force, has formally established a new unit focused exclusively on satellite communications. Known as System Delta 88, the organization was activated in a ceremony presided over by Lieutenant General Philip Garrant, the commander of SSC.
During the event, Colonel A.J. Ashby officially took command of SYD 88. The unit's creation represents a significant step in the Space Force's ongoing efforts to reform and accelerate how it develops and fields new space capabilities. SYD 88 will support the Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Program Executive Office.
Its core function is to provide integrated acquisition capabilities for narrowband, tactical, and strategic satellite communications, ensuring that advanced systems reach warfighters more efficiently.
What is a System Delta?
Within the Space Force's acquisition framework, a System Delta (SYD) is an organization responsible for the entire lifecycle of developing and delivering new space systems. This includes design, development, and fielding. They are distinct from, but aligned with, Space Operations Command's (SpOC) Mission Deltas (MDs), which are responsible for operating and sustaining the systems once they are in orbit.
Organizational Structure and Mission Focus
The internal structure of System Delta 88 is designed for mission-specific focus. It consolidates several acquisition functions under a unified command to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic delays. The unit is organized around key areas of satellite communications.
Leadership and Program Management
SYD 88 is composed of three primary divisions, each led by a System Program Director (SPD), a position previously known as a Senior Materiel Leader. These directors oversee specific domains:
- Strategic SATCOM Systems
- Tactical SATCOM Systems
- Narrowband SATCOM Systems
Supporting these directors are System Program Managers (SPMs), formerly called Materiel Leaders. Together, this leadership team is tasked with managing the development of satellites, ground control segments, data systems, and essential software. The ultimate goal is to deliver superior SATCOM capabilities for U.S. joint forces and international partners.
“As a field command, we have since realigned our acquisition authorities to the appropriate levels, streamlining decision making and eliminating inefficient and ineffective processes,” said Lt. Gen. Garrant. “By doing so, we amplified our lean and agile service to be better positioned to deliver new capabilities at the speed of relevance.”
Aligning Acquisition with Operations
The establishment of System Deltas is a key part of SSC’s broader strategy to create a more integrated and responsive acquisition process. This new model aligns the acquisition units (SYDs) directly with their operational counterparts, the Mission Deltas (MDs) managed by Space Operations Command.
This alignment ensures that the teams developing new technologies are closely connected to the teams who will operate them. By structuring SYDs to mirror the mission sets of MDs, the Space Force aims to achieve greater unity of command and effort. This synchronization is intended to enhance mission readiness across all domains, including mission generation, intelligence support, and cyber defense.
Streamlining for Speed
The creation of SYD 88 consolidates multiple SSC Acquisition Deltas into a single, mission-focused organization. This change is part of a larger initiative to make the Space Force's acquisition process faster and more adaptable to emerging threats. Several additional System Deltas are planned to be established to complete this organizational transformation.
A Threat-Driven Approach to Development
In his address to the new unit, Colonel Ashby emphasized the critical nature of their mission and outlined his command philosophy. He stressed that reliable satellite communications are fundamental to modern military operations.
“War-winning combat operations require the ability to shoot, move, and communicate through the conflict continuum in benign contested and nuclear environments,” Ashby stated. “This is an all-hands-on-deck endeavor and each of you have a role in assuring that we continue to outpace the threat.”
Colonel Ashby further detailed his vision for SYD 88, focusing on creating a culture that builds high-performing teams. He said the unit will be “threat-driven and risk-informed” in its approach. This means that the development of new systems will be directly guided by the evolving capabilities of potential adversaries.
He concluded by highlighting the unit's commitment to delivering resilient and flexible military SATCOM options. “We’ll be relentless in the pursuit of principled acquisition excellence and mission area expertise, and uncompromising in our execution,” he said, underscoring the focus on delivering relevant systems within threat-relevant timelines.